April 6, 2025 Nolan Hughes

The one-handed EJ Tackett captured two trophies during PBA All-Star Weekend Powered by QubicaAMF’s EDGE String pinspotter festivities at Foxx View Lanes in Waukesha, Wis.

The event marked the first televised PBA event to utilize string pinspotting technology – the USBC-approved and PBA-approved EDGE String pinspotter from QubicaAMF.

One-Handers vs. Two-Handers

On Saturday, Tackett led his team of one-handers, including Andrew Anderson, Jakob Butturff, Graham Fach and Kris Prather, to victory over Jason Belmonte’s two-handed squad.

The teams were determined by the top five players in points through the PBA World Series of Bowling XVI. The two-handed team included Belmonte, Tim Foy Jr., Matt Ogle, Kyle Troup and Chris Via.

In the Race-to-Three baker match, the one-handers stormed to a 2-0 lead before the two-handers staved off defeat in Game 3. The two-handers’ comeback bid proved futile as they fell in Game 4.

Results

Game 1: One-Handers def. Two-Handers, 216-182
Game 2: One-Handers def. Two-Handers, 269-181
Game 3: Two-Handers def. One-Handers, 257-193
Game 4: One-Handers def. Two-Handers, 213-127

Strike Derby

Sunday’s PBA Strike Derby pushed players to their absolute limits. Players were given two minutes to throw as many strikes as possible across three lanes.

Competitors included 2024 champion Jesper Svensson and one player, determined via a fan vote, from each PBA Elite League team.

Tackett defeated Svensson and Ryan Barnes to set up a rematch of the historic PBA World Championship title match, where Tackett once again prevailed over Belmonte. 

Tackett set the record with 16 strikes in a single round during the 2023 event, but this marked Tackett’s first career Strike Derby victory.

Results

Play-in Round
Jesper Svensson def. Tommy Jones, 7-6

Quarterfinals
Packy Hanrahan def. Boog Krol 9-8
Jason Belmonte def. Keven Williams, 7-5
Ryan Barnes def. Kris Prather, 6-5
EJ Tackett def. Jesper Svensson, 12-10

Semifinals
Jason Belmonte def. Packy Hanrahan, 8-7
EJ Tackett def. Ryan Barnes, 9-9 (X-9)

Finals
EJ Tackett def. Jason Belmonte, 10-10 (X-9)